Guiding Exceptional Parents

01/07/2026

Years ago, a wise friend observed, "It's not the diagnostic category that determines outcomes. It's the severity of presentation."

This article corroborates his observation:
https://childmind.org/blog/new-study-finds-novel-link-between-shared-brain-gene-patterns/

These researchers found that there are distinct patterns of brain organization that change depending on symptom severity, and that diagnosis ( vs. ) did not have reliably different patterns.

A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that the biological underpinnings of autism and ADHD may transcend traditional diagnostic boundaries.

12/22/2025

Just rediscovered this gem of a resource for finding technology to address different disabilities, compiled by my friend Katharina Boser.

Find it here: https://sites.google.com/view/freeudltechtoolkit

12/19/2025

I love that this designer recognizes the need to consider mixed-neurotypes as she creates a home for her clients.

From dark, sound-proofed rooms to clever storage solutions, families with autism and ADHD are finding inspired ways to adjust their environments

12/18/2025

SO much wisdom in this post. One of my favorites.

"Connection first; everything else follows from that."

Read the article for lots more good advice: https://kristiedegaris.substack.com/p/parenting-is-not-about-controlling-children-it-is-about-controlling-yourself

I wrote this as a note, and a thread on Mastodon, but I’ve been asked to turn it into an easily shareable post.

12/16/2025

This app is GENIUS!

It teaches you how to shift from commands, demands, and questions to declarative statements designed to help your child think for themselves.

Find it here: https://declarativeapp.org/

12/16/2025

¡Estoy muy contento de informarles que la versión en español de "¿Es esto autismo?" ya está disponible!

I'm really pleased to let you all know that the Spanish-language version of "Is This Autism?" is now available!

Find it here:
https://www.buscalibre.us/libro-es-esto-autismo/9788410282780/p/64312763

And please let your communities know!

12/07/2025

I'm happy to share that I was recently featured on the Complicated Kids Podcast by Parent Coach and Speech and Language Pathologist Gabriele Nicolet.

We had a great conversation about what “forever parenting” means, three developmental trajectories that lead to lifelong support needs, distinguishing neurodivergence from lifelong disability, and more.

You can watch here: https://youtu.be/fyYG1TeASI0?si=-bkskqhU-0scvsK-

(Or seek out the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or Pandora!)

Learn more about The Forever Parenting Project and upcoming focus groups here: https://guidingexceptionalparents.com/forever-parenting-project

Thank you for your support, and I hope you enjoy the episode.

12/04/2025

This. This is my life!

Source: https://beige.party//114954190272042494

11/25/2025

This study "highlights the impact everyday school events and interactions have on young people’s emotions; and how young people with neurodevelopmental conditions in particular can find school a source of emotional challenge." — Susie Chandler, Ph.D.

New research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London, in partnership with University College London and Anna Freud, has found that negative school experiences generate twice the emotional burden in autistic and ADHD adolescents compared to their...

11/21/2025

This is an eloquent post describing the process of language acquisition for Gestalt language processors - a term I'm embarrassed to admit I didn't know until I read this. Truly a beautiful read - and really helpful for those of us who want to learn how to better communicate with people of different neurotypes.

On language as resonance, literacy as belonging, and the long return from misrecognition to wholeness—where softness becomes strength and thought finally blooms into sound.

11/20/2025

6 Steps for Requesting an External Review of an Insurance Denial.

"...only certain denials are eligible for external appeals. These denials typically involve medical judgment, surprise medical bills, or an insurer deciding to retroactively cancel coverage or determining that a treatment was experimental."

When a health insurer refuses to pay for your treatment, you may have the right to have the denial reviewed — and potentially overturned — by an independent provider. Here are six steps experts suggest to help you through the external appeal process.

11/19/2025

Truly - I wish we had done more family meetings when our kids were younger. But it's never to late to start! I like how Gabriele lays this out - easy peasy!

Learn how simple, consistent family meetings can reduce anxiety, build connection, and give every family member—especially neurodivergent kids—a voice that’s heard and valued.